Pizza in Buenos Aires is more than just a meal-it’s a vibrant tradition woven into the city’s cultural fabric. Thanks to waves of Italian immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Argentine capital boasts a unique pizza culture that rivals any in the world. The best pizzerias in Buenos Aires are not only culinary landmarks but also living testaments to the city’s immigrant history and local creativity.
A City Shaped by Pizza
The story of pizza in Buenos Aires begins with Italian immigrants who brought their recipes and passion for food to Argentina. By the early twentieth century, pizza had become a staple, with pizzerias popping up across the city. Over time, the local palate influenced the original Italian recipes, giving rise to distinctive Argentine styles. The result? Pizzerias that offer thick, cheesy slices unlike any found elsewhere.
- Signature Styles at the Best Pizzerias
Buenos Aires pizzerias are known for three main crust styles, each with its own loyal following:
- Al Molde: This is the classic thick, spongy base baked in a round tin. The dough is proofed multiple times, resulting in a springy crumb and a crusty bottom. The cheese-to-crust ratio is heavily skewed in favor of cheese, making each slice rich and satisfying.
- Media Masa: Slightly thinner than al molde but still substantial, this medium-depth crust is proofed twice for a hearty bite.
- A la Piedra: For those who prefer a crispier, thinner crust, a la piedra is baked directly on a stone at high temperatures, producing a chewy, lightly charred base.
- Iconic Pizzas and Local Favorites
Among the many varieties, a few stand out as must-tries at the best pizzerias:
- Muzza (Mozzarella Pizza): The most popular choice, this pie is loaded with mozzarella, sprinkled with oregano, and topped with green olives. The abundance of cheese is a hallmark of Buenos Aires pizza.
- Fugazzeta: An Argentine invention, fugazzeta is a pizza topped with cheese and sliced onions, often with a cheese-stuffed crust. Its cousin, fugazza, features just onions and olive oil, while fugazzeta rellena takes indulgence to the next level with even more cheese inside.
- Napolitana: Not to be confused with the Italian Neapolitan, this version is topped with tomato sauce, cheese, fresh tomato slices, and garlic-a local favorite with a fresh twist.
- Pizza Canchera: A unique, thin, cheese-less pizza covered in garlicky tomato sauce, originally sold outside soccer stadiums for fans on the go.
The Porteño Pizza Ritual
Eating at the best pizzerias in Buenos Aires is about more than just the food. The city’s pizza tradition is closely tied to its nightlife, especially along Avenida Corrientes, where theaters and pizzerias have long thrived side by side. Locals often enjoy their pizza with a slice of fainá-a dense chickpea pancake-stacked on top, and wash it down with a glass of sweet, cold moscato wine.
A Taste of Heritage
The best pizzerias in Buenos Aires are more than restaurants; they’re gathering places where generations have celebrated milestones, shared stories, and created memories. Whether you’re savoring a thick, cheesy slice al molde, biting into a crispy a la piedra, or sampling a gooey fugazzeta, you’re tasting a piece of the city’s soul.
So, if you find yourself in Buenos Aires, skip the tourist traps and seek out the best pizzerias where locals gather. Stand at the counter, order a slice, and become part of a tradition that’s as much about community as it is about incredible pizza.
